Leon joined Outside Edge during the Covid-19 pandemic when he decided to stop smoking drugs. He said it was ‘a no-brainer’ to sign up when he discovered there was a theatre group for people in recovery that was still delivering work during lockdown.
Although he also attends many other Outside Edge activities, Leon says that he likes the fact that in West London Write Now,
“We actually write! Too many workshops just talk about writing without any substantial writing being done. But this group gives my writing a focus. Regular workshops help to provide structure and consistency in my life and just being around positive creative peeps is a blessing. I now have a collection of short stories and sketches that maybe I can tidy up and polish.” —Leon
Through attending Outside Edge’s drop-in writing groups, Leon started engaging with our Participation Pathways and subsequently joined our intermediate writer’s group (Write Two), which we delivered with the Royal Court Theatre. He spent the first part of this year working with the Royal Court’s literary department to develop a one man script that he performed on stage at the Royal Court and at Fringe theatres across London. Leon has also been trained as a Peer Mentor Volunteer. He currently helps to deliver Outside Edge’s Creative Writing Taster Sessions in treatment facilities across London and he supports facilitators during the weekly sessions of West London Write Now.
“Being involved with Outside Edge keeps me aligned with my dreams, goals and aspirations for writing and performing. I feel more positive as a result and therefore feel it’s much less likely that I will smoke anything or get nicked for anything whether that be dishonesty or violence.” —Leon
Don’t miss out on our latest movements. Be the first to hear about performances, projects and our inspiring stories of recovery. Sign up for backstage news that’s more than just updates, it’s about making change happen. Subscribe today and become part of the Outside Edge community!
